What happens if I die
without a Will?
Many people believe that you only need a Will if you own a business, have
significant assets, are in a relationship or have children.This is a fallacy! Without a Will, NY's inheritance laws decide who gets
your property – and chances are, your estate won't be distributed the way you
want! Fortunately, you can protect your property through a Will.

Now that you're
enlightened, what exactly is a Will?
Wills are a way of providing for your family, friends and favorite charities
after your death.Your Will tells
your loved ones and the Court how to divide your property after your death.
If
you want to be sure that your Will is honored, it's best to have it drafted by
an attorney, so all the requirements of the law are followed.(RUTH M. GURSKY, ESQ., at your service!)

Planning for
incapacity:
There are also documents you can prepare now, that can be used if you
become disabled or unable to make business or medical decisions on your own
behalf:

Durable Power of Attorney:
Permits a named person to transact business
on your behalf. In NYS, once a power of
attorney form is properly signed
before a notary public, it remains in effect even after you
become disabled,
until you revoke it or die.

Living Will and Health Care Proxy:These are prepared now and come into effect if you can no
longer speak for yourself and
tell your doctors what kind of medical treatment
you want or don't want:

Health Care Proxy:
Permits a named person to make medical decisions on
your behalf if you can no
longer speak for yourself, including decisions on
life support, termination of medical
treatment and who can visit you in the
hospital.

Conclusion:
While the prospect of making a Will can bring up fears and resistance, I
prefer to think of this as an "empowering act" – where YOU decide
how YOUR property will be distributed after your death!